Hot off the success ofAmerican Horror StoryandGlee,the twisted minds of TV producers Brad Falchuk, Ryan Murphy, and Ian Brennan birthed a unique creation with the Fox series,Scream Queens, which featured a then mostly unknown Glen Powell. A mix of horror and black comedy with a dash of campy satire,Scream Queensran for two seasons from 2015- 2016. It starred Emma Roberts as Chanel Oberlin, the It-girl of Wallace University and head of the campus’ biggest sorority, Kappa Kappa Tau. Also featured were Billie Lourd, Keke Palmer, Abigail Breslin, Nick Jonas, and Jamie Lee Curtis.
Roberts may have dazzled as Chanel, but Glen Powell was arguably an even bigger scene-stealer.Powell made his acting debut in 2003’sSpy Kids 3-D: Game Over. From there, he continued to act steadily, notably playing astronaut John Glen in 2015’sHidden Figures. However, it was Powell’s role as Hangman in 2022’sTop Gun: Maverickthat piloted Powell to the top of Hollywood’s A-list. The next couple years would see Powell as a leading man Hollywood mainstay, starring in blockbuster hitsAnyone But You,Hit Man, andTwisters. But Powell already proved his acting chops inScream Queens.
InScream Queens,Glen Powell is the preppy and arrogant Chad Radwell, Chanel’s boyfriend and member of the elite Dickie Dollar Scholars. Chad is basically Chanel’s boyfriend in name only, and has no qualms about sleeping with other women. However, his indiscriminate choice of partners tends to lead to trouble for him, and everyone else.
I’m Begging You To Watch Glen Powell’s Underrated Ryan Murphy Horror TV Show From 9 Years Ago
Anyone but You, Hit Man, and the upcoming Twisters present Glen Powell as a superstar, but his most underrated early role was in a TV horror comedy.
Powell is hilarious as Chad, fully leaning into the buffoonery and satire of the larger-than-life character.His portrayal ofChad perfectly matches the campy tone ofScream Queens, which goes to show how in tune Powell was with the show’s creators. Powell’s dedication to the role proved that he had the chops to take on just about anything. In one interview with fellowTwistersstars Daisy Edgar-Jones and Anthony Ramos, Powell said he’d love to play Chad again if given the opportunity (viaYouTube).
How Powell’s Scream Queens Role Shows Up In His Other Performances
Playing Chad inScream Queensno doubt helped Glen Powell prepare for the subsequent roles of his acting career. In 2018, Powell garnered the attention of critics with his performance in the Netflix romcom,Set It Up,wherein he established his charisma as a romantic leading man. The actor later impressed producers with his audition forTop Gun: Maverick,and was offered the role of Jake “Hangman” Seresin.Reminiscent of his character inScream Queens,Hangman is cocky and egotistical, yet Powell manages to bring a humorous edgethat makes him ultimately likable.
Powell has a way of sensing exactly what a role needs, including bringing something that others didn’t even realize was missing
One ofPowell’s acting strengthsis his commitment to whatever role he takes on, and his ability to read exactly what is required from the performance. He proved this initially withScream Queens,and went on to demonstrate it in each of his other appearances. Whether a sensitive romantic inAnyone But Youor a storm-chasing daredevil inTwisters,Powell has a way of sensing exactly what a role needs, including bringing something that others didn’t even realize was missing. As his career continues, it’s a certainty that Glen Powell will continue to impress with his instinctual talent.
Scream Queens
Cast
A dark satirical comedy-horror series, Scream Queens follows a college sorority group at Wallace University where an unsolved murder case is resurrected following a string of new murders. When the school’s mascot, the Red Devil, begins murdering sorority members, the girls fight against the potential closure of their home while trying to stay alive.
